Women's T20 World Cup, Group 2, Bristol

Scotland 131-7 (20 overs): Carter 72* (52); Kerr 3-17

New Zealand 132-4 (18.2 overs): Sharp 62 (43), Halliday 41* (38)

New Zealand won by six wickets

Scorecard, Table

Defending champions New Zealand eliminated Scotland and sustained their hopes of a T20 Women's World Cup semi-final place with a commanding showing in Bristol.

The White Ferns looked in charge after the first innings as Scotland managed only 131-7.

Scotland relied once more on 21-year-old Darcey Carter, who has emerged as one of the standout performers in the tournament, to anchor their batting effort.

The opening batter, who posted a half-century versus West Indies earlier, finished unbeaten on 72 from 52 deliveries featuring eight fours and a single six.

Sarah Bryce provided the main additional contribution for Scotland with 25 runs from 22 balls.

Both New Zealand openers were dismissed via catches at mid-on from Kathryn Bryce and after Sophie Devine was bowled by Rachel Slater the score fell to 26-3.

Yet as Scotland sensed a possible shock result Izzy Sharp and Brooke Halliday steadied the innings and gradually regained the initiative for New Zealand.

Sharp increased the tempo after reaching fifty by lofting Slater for a straight six and was then bowled when her team needed just one more maximum.

Maddy Green struck a reverse-swept boundary from her first delivery and a leg-bye sealed a six-wicket victory with 10 balls remaining.

New Zealand close their group stage against hosts England on 27 June (18:30 BST). They require victory plus favorable outcomes elsewhere to reach the semi-finals.